presumption

American  

[pri-zuhmp-shuhn] / prɪˈzʌmp ʃən /

noun

1. the act of presuming.

2. assumption of something as true.

3. belief on reasonable grounds or probable evidence.

4. something that is presumed; an assumption.

5. a ground or reason for presuming or believing.

6. Law. an inference required or permitted by law as to the existence of one fact from proof of the existence of other facts.

7. an assumption, often not fully established, that is taken for granted in some piece of reasoning.

8. unwarrantable, unbecoming, or impertinent boldness.

   Synonyms:

   gall, arrogance, effrontery, audacity

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presumption British  

/ prɪˈzʌmpʃən /

noun

1. the act of presuming

2. bold or insolent behaviour or manners

3. a belief or assumption based on reasonable evidence

4. a ground or basis on which to presume

5. law an inference of the truth of a fact from other facts proved, admitted, or judicially noticed

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Other Word Forms

• overpresumption
  noun

Etymology

Origin of presumption

1175–1225; Middle English: effrontery, supposition < Latin praesūmptiōn- (stem of praesūmptiō ) anticipation, supposition, Late Latin: presumptuousness, equivalent to praesūmpt ( us ) (past participle of praesūmere to undertake beforehand; see presume) + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

The noun presumption pretty much means jumping to conclusions. It is taking something for granted — an idea, an answer, an event — without having any real knowledge about it, and that is usually not a good thing. Making a presumption means assuming something is true or false without getting all the information necessary for verification. You can decipher this from the prefix pre, which means "before," together with the sume — from the Latin sumere, "to take." Because so many times a presumption turns out to be false, the word has a negative connotation to it; there's something reckless about making up your mind before you know all the facts.

Example Sentences

Brustein published his first book on Shakespeare, “The Tainted Muse: Prejudice and Presumption in Shakespeare and His Time,” in 2009.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 29, 2023

The Presumption of Death Act lets families take over the financial affairs of a missing person and came into force in October 2014.

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2019

Presumption of innocence has also been given a new and useful interpretation. 

From Salon • Jul. 23, 2012

"Presumption in favour" means development plans - houses, supermarkets, roads, business premises and so - will be given the green light, unless there's good case made for not doing so.

From The Guardian • Jul. 26, 2011

Presumption in Favour of the Common Right of Great Britain.—No exclusive Rights in Spain or the United States.—Convention of 1818.—Convention of 1827.—Mr.

From The Oregon Territory Its History and Discovery by Twiss, Travers

Related Words

• assumption
• likelihood
• premise
• supposition
• suspicion